Burj Al Arab Hotel

Extraordinarily lavish, the world’s only ‘seven star’ hotel stands on its own artificial island just off Dubai’s coastline

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Area: Jumeirah Beach, Dubai

Extraordinarily lavish, the Burj Al Arab bills itself as the world’s only ‘seven star’ hotel. It stands 320 metres tall on its own artificial island just off Dubai’s coastline. Every floor at the Burj al Arab has its own reception desk and butler service, and all “rooms” are actually duplexes.

The Burj Al Arab features an elegantly contoured sail-shaped exterior and highly extravagant interior. Dancing fountains, vast aquariums, vivid carpet designs, plenty of gold trimming and a startlingly blue-hued atrium (tall enough to accommodate the Dubai World Trade Centre) all conspire to make the Burj Al Arab a feast for the eyes.

The Burj Al Arab stands as a sight well worth seeing in its own right. There’s stringent security at the gate, but non-guests can gain entry by reserving a table at one of the various eateries, all of which are excellent, although expensive.